SUSHISAMBA "Training" Chopsticks Review and Giveaway...

"Designed by Miami-based, Brazilian-pop artist Romero Britto, these colorful utensils are the perfect gift for friends and family - or exciting addition to your home kitchen!
Plastic. Machine Washable. Set of 4."

What we thought:  We eat a lot of Asian food...at least once a week.  Our kiddos love to use chopsticks, but I'm not to fond of the mess they make while using them and sometimes they get frustrated with the amount of work it takes to get very little food to their mouths.  Quite often they give up and resort to a spoon or fork.  We were really excited to try SUSHISAMBA training chopsticks and we weren't disappointed.  These were colorful and featured fun characters and they were so much easier for the kids to use!  I know these will really help the kiddos master eating with chopsticks.  My favorite part...way less mess!  More food makes it to the kiddo's mouths which makes them happy too:)  And these chopsticks are dishwasher safe and durable.  The kiddos actually ask to use these for all types of food, not just Asian cuisine...they are THAT fun!  ABCD Diaries gives SUSHISAMBA chopsticks an A+!
Find these fun chopsticks at SUSHISAMBA!

"I Heart Ring Pops" Valentine's Day Gift Basket Giveaway...

"The month of love is just around the corner and Bazooka Candy Brands would like to share their “Valentine’s Collection” of Ring Pops with ABCD Diaries readers. With strawberry or cherry flavored heart-shaped and classic ring pops, they are sure to put you in the love spirit. Each package even has little message areas that make the perfect Valentines for classroom parties or gift baskets."


3 Lucky ABCD Diaries readers will win an "I Heart Ring Pops" gift basket!

Bertolli Frozen Meal Soups...Make Any Night Special!

"· Bertolli® Frozen Meal Soups are hearty and fresh-tasting with vegetables, meats, pasta and herbs individually flash frozen at the peak of freshness.
· Bertolli® Frozen Meal Soups are available in the frozen aisle, and can be prepared on your stovetop in minutes.
· With robust flavors and rich textures, new Bertolli® Frozen Meal Soups are available in four varieties: Chicken Minestrone, Roasted Chicken & Rotini Pasta, Tomato Florentine & Tortellini with Chicken, and Tuscan-Style Beef with Vegetables."

We tried out the Tomato Florentine & Tortellini with Chicken and turned a mundane Monday evening into something special.  This soup was so easy to prepare and was absolutely delicious!  Even on a busy night, this hearty meal will be a sure crowd-pleaser.  This soup was full of meat, veggies and pasta and could have been a full meal for two.  We decided to add a salad and a loaf of Italian bread and voila!  A dinner for the whole family worth remembering:)  Just for fun, we got out the crystal candle holders and even let the kiddos drink from fancy glasses...they loved it!  We also played a fun table game to get everyone talking.  It was a blast!  We would definitely recommend Bertolli frozen soups for busy families...what a great way to bring the family together:)

Keep up with the latest Bertolli news by following via Facebook and Twitter.


I was compensated by Bertolli to participate in the Weeknight Meal Special Challenge.

Valentine's Day Cards from Tiny Prints...

Tiny Prints is gearing up for the season of love whith a huge variety of classroom cards, greeting cards and party invitations.  Check out a few of our favorites:

This will be A's first classroom Valentine's party and she is so excited!  We will be helping her teacher tame the chaos this year and I know we'll have a blast:)  I'm sure our Valentine's Day cards from Tiny Prints will be a huge hit! 
Check out the huge variety of super cute Valentine's Day cards at Tiny Prints!
To keep up with the latest news you can follow Tiny Prints on Twitter,  like Tiny Prints on Facebook and follow Tiny Prints boards on Pinterest


ABCD Diaries will be receiving cards in exchange for this review.  We were in no other way compensated.

Fairytale Brownies Review and Giveaway...

"Fairytale Brownies is your premier gourmet brownie gifting company, offering a large selection of chocolate brownie gifts including: Birthday Gifts, Congratulations Gifts, Thank You Gifts, Thinking of You Gifts, Patriotic Gifts, New Baby Gifts, Christmas Gifts, Holiday Gifts, Hanukkah Gifts, Fall Gifts, Halloween Brownies, Business Gifts, Custom Logo Corporate Gifts, Valentine's Day Gifts, Easter Gifts, Mother's Day Gifts, Father's Day Gifts."

What we thought:  We reviewed the Valentine Keepsake Tin Medley from Fairytale Brownies.  They were melt-in-your-mouth delicious!  The were rich and fudgy, but still really light and fluffy.  My favorites were the caramel, peanut butter and white chocolate varieties.  The kiddos loved the raspberry swirl and chocolate chips and B favored the espresso and the nutty varieties.  That's what made the medley tin so cool...there were a variety of sizes and flavors for everybody.  The bite-size brownies were perfect for a little pick me up and the full size brownies were great to share.  The huge assortment of gift packs from Fairytale Brownies makes them the perfect one-stop shop fro baked goods gifts no matter what the occasion:)  ABCD Diaries gives Fairytale Brownies an A+!
Find out more about these fantastic Valentine's gift sets at Fairytale Brownies!

Pillsbury Egg Scrambles and Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches Review and Giveaway...

We recently had the chance to review Pillsbury Egg Scrambles and Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches.

About Pillsbury Egg Scrambles and Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches:
· Quick and easy breakfast – can be prepared in just a few minutes
· Made with fresh, quality ingredients, including Green Giant® vegetables
· Three tasty flavors of Egg Scrambles:
o Bacon & Veggies Egg Scrambles
o Sausage & Veggies Egg Scrambles
o Sausage & Egg Scrambles

· Three delicious varieties of Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches:
o Bacon & Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches
o Sausage & Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches
o Ham & Veggies Biscuit Sandwiches

· A quote from Pillsbury: “We are excited to unveil our latest addition to the frozen breakfast aisle,” said John Stockman, Pillsbury Frozen Breakfast Marketing Manager. “These new dishes are a delicious way to start your morning with a protein-filled breakfast made with quality ingredients. In just a few minutes, you can start your busy weekday with a hot, satisfying breakfast.”

· Suggested retail price: $2.89

Find out more about these yummy breakfast treats at www.pillsbury.com/breakfast

Follow via Facebook: www.facebook.com/pillsbury

What we thought:  We tried the Bacon and Veggie Egg Scrambles and the Bacon and Cheese Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches.  Both were super easy to prepare...just minutes in the microwave.  And both were a huge hit at our breakfast table.   All plates were cleaned...the sign of a good meal.  The Egg Scrambles were pretty hearty with eggs, meat, veggies and cheese and the biscuit part of the sandwiches were buttery and melt-in-your mouth:)   These are great for those busy morning before work and school and come in plenty of varieties to satisfy each family member.  ABCD Diaries gives Pillsbury Egg Scrambles and Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches an A+!

VeggieTales "God Loves You Very Much" and "If I Sang A Silly Song" DVD Review & Giveaway...

We recently had the chance to review the two newest releases from the VeggieTales DVD series.

VeggieTales: God Loves You Very Much:

"The fun and family friendly film features stories that demonstrate how God cares for us in all kinds of situations! VeggieTales: God Loves You Very Much is the follow-up title to the smash-hit VeggieTales DVD, God Made You Special. This release includes nearly 90 minutes of family-friendly content and features three fan-favorite VeggieTales stories that teach other valuable lessons about love, Gideon: Tuba Warrior, The Ballad of Little Joe and Rack, Shack & Benny. The title also includes an all-new “story-song” called Does He Love Me?, as well as other bonus features and activities."

Available beginning January 10th, 2012 for $12.93 wherever DVDs are sold.




VeggieTales: If I Sang A Silly Song:

"VeggieTales Silly Songs! Larry the Cucumber hosts “The Silly Song Telethon” and counts down the top favorite silly songs of all-time... voted for by the fans!! The fun continues with a surprise introduction of a never-before-seen, new Silly Song chosen by Larry the Cucumber from thousands of fan submissions!"

Available beginning February 7th , 2012 for $12.99 wherever DVDs are sold.





 
What we thought:  As always, we were really excited about reviewing new VeggieTales DVDs...we are huge fans of Bob and Larry and the whole crew.  First, we watched "God Loves You Very Much" which taught lessons of doing what is right, having faith, and of course loving one another.  The stories in this DVD are family-friendly, colorful and funny and the lessons were beautifully taught.  "If I Sang A Silly Song" brought to life 20 great VeggieTales songs in countdown fashion.  The songs are fun and lively and a blast to sing and dance around to.  The kiddos really loved this one:)  Both of these DVDs are really awesome and if your family enjoys the fun and valuable lessons VeggieTales brings to the table, they are sure to love the newest additions to the series!  ABCD Diaries gives "God Loves You Very Much" and "If I Sang A Silly Song" an A+!  

"The Sneezy Wheezy Day" by Sharon Cramer Review...

"Just in time for the peak of cold and flu season comes The Sneezy Wheezy Day (January 2012), a children’s picture book every parent will want to keep on hand for when the sniffles come on!
As a nurse and mother of three, Sharon Cramer has seen more than her share of winter illnesses. So much so, she was inspired to write The Sneezy Wheezy Day, the third in the award-winning children’s series that follows the adventures of a brother and sister cougar cub. In The Sneezy Wheezy Day, brother cub has a cold, so he and his sister seek help from their friends to make him better.
As he and sister cub seek help for his cold, they encounter many well-intentioned forest friends who offer silly home remedies. One friend even tells brother cub, “Tickle your nose with the tail of a goose and do it before the next blue moon rise!” Although the recommendations help, the final remedy is a sibling’s love."

What we thought:  The Sneezy Wheezy Day is a beautifully illustrated story that all kiddos will be able to relate to.  It is a great book to brighten up the spirits of a sick little one.  We really enjoyed sharing this cute book with A and D and they request it quite often.  5 year old A said she really enjoyed the funny remedies the animal friends offered and 3 year old D loved the gorgeous and colorful illustrations.  The Sneezy Wheezy Day is perfect for the cold and flu season, but I'm pretty sure we'll be enjoying it year round:)   ABCD Diaries gives The Sneezy Wheezy Day an A+!

***The Sneezy Wheezy Day e-book is available as a free download on Amazon through Saturday***

 

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a copy of this book for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

PAMA SEEKS THE BEST HOME BAR STAR!!

PAMA Liqueur Challenges Amateur Bartenders to Showcase Their Skills
"Today, PAMA announces the upcoming launch of the Best Home Bar Star Contest: Beginning Monday, January 16, PAMA, the original pomegranate liqueur, will begin accepting submissions to find a cocktail enthusiast who knows how to create a killer cocktail that is perfectly balanced, elegantly presented and definitely delicious. The winner will receive a trip for two to the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen in June 2012 with $2,000 spending money and the opportunity for their recipe to be presented in front of thousands of attendees at the Grand Tasting Tent. Their recipe will also be featured on PAMA’s website.

The contest, which runs until February 29, 11:59PM EST, asks the public to submit a recipe and photo of their original drink creation, which will be judged based on the following criteria:

Originality/creativity
Unique use of PAMA
Ingredient combination
Appropriateness of the cocktail name

The top 25 entries, as determined by the PAMA judging panel, will be posted to PAMA’s website and Facebook page for visitors to vote on their favorite entry. Finalists can share their recipe with friends
and family in order to gain votes. The top 10 highest-voted entries will then be judged by an esteemed panel of cocktail professionals who will create and taste each recipe. The panel includes Kate Krader (Food & Wine), Darryl Robinson (The Cooking Channel’s “Drink Up!”) and Eben Freeman (master mixologist and PAMA spokesperson).

“PAMA’s versatility allows it to mix well with all base spirits, transforming ordinary drinks into ones that are brighter with a sweet-tart flavor,” says Reid Hafer, senior brand manager for PAMA. “We are looking for someone who can explore the endless PAMAbilities.”

Four runners-up will receive a one-year subscription to Food & Wine magazine and a PAMA gift bag. For a full list of rules and to enter, go to www.PAMALiqueur.com/HomeBarStar

Stay tuned for our review of PAMA coming up in the next few weeks.  We will also be hosting a giveaway for PAMA swag bags!  Woohoo!! :)

Eartheasy Tea Set Giveaway...

Eartheasy: "Our mission is to help people improve their quality of life by offering information and products for sustainable living."

Product Description: "Talk about green tea! This tea set is made entirely from recycled milk jugs. Every stage of manufacturing of this toy takes place in California, USA. From raw material collection, to recycling to production. This HDPE plastic is one of the safest, most durable and cleanest plastics on the market and, being recycled, has a low environmental footprint."

Eartheasy has offered the tea set above to one lucky ABCD Diaries reader.  Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins Review...

Thanks to SmartyPants and Moms Meet, we recently had the chance to share SmartyPants gummy vitamins with our parenting group.

Here is a little info about SmartyPants:
"Getting kids all the nutrients they need every single day is quite the parenting challenge. That’s why SmartyPants created an all-in-one vitamin that parents can feel good about giving to their kids.  SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins are the first all-in-one gummy multivitamins for kids and grown ups with eco-friendly omega-3 DHA and 100 percent of the recommended daily intake for Vitamin D and nine other key nutrients—and NO artificial colors or sweeteners.

With SmartyPants, even the pickiest of eaters will get all the nutrients they need in one great-tasting gummy vitamin. And since kids love the flavor, this is one vitamin they won’t forget to take. Plus, for every purchase, SmartyPants makes a matching 1-for-1 nutrient grant to a child in need through a partnership with Vitamin Angels.

SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins are available at smartypantsvitamins.com and retail at $19.95 (for kids) and $21.95 (for adults). Use code MomsMeet and get a special discount!

Gummy Vitamins:
• Tastes great, and contains only 5 grams of organic cane sugar. Not fishy!
• Pediatrician and dentist-approved: Soft yummy gummies do not stick to teeth!
• No high-fructose corn syrup
• No artificial colors or dyes
• Gluten and casein-free
• No synthetic chemicals or genetically modified ingredients"

What we thought:  The kiddos really loved these gummy vitamins.  They actually look forward to taking them every morning.  I'm not sure how I feel about the adult version, I think I like to swallow a tasteless pill better.  The amount of gummies you have to take each day is a little high, 4 for kids and 6 for adults.  However, they are pretty impressive from a  nutritional point of view.  If you are looking for a gummy vitamin for yourself or your children, you should definitely check out SmartyPants:)  ABCD Diaries gives SmartyPants vitamins an A!


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given samples for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Mini VitaCakes Review and Giveaway...

"Vitalicious has launched the new 50-calorie Fudgy Chocolate Mini VitaCakes, the first 50-calorie product of its kind and Vitalicious’ lowest-calorie product ever. Launching just in time to jump-start healthy New Year’s resolutions, Fudgy Chocolate Mini VitaCakes satisfy your passion for chocolate and still leave you feeling full and satisfied.

With 2g of protein, 6g of fiber, 14g of carbs, only 1g of fat plus 15 vitamins and minerals, the all-natural Fudgy Chocolate Mini VitaCakes are loaded with as much nutrition as they are with gooey chocolate goodness.

VitaCakes are made from all-natural ingredients and whole grains without any artificial coloring or preservatives of any kind. Plus, it only takes 7 minutes to “walk off” the 50 calories contained in each Mini VitaCake."

What we thought:  The new mini VitaCakes were so fudgy and chocolaty it was hard to tell they weren't unhealthy.  I pull them out in the morning before school and by the time the kiddos sit down to breakfast they are defrosted enough to eat along with their yogurt or cereal.  They think its pretty cool that they get to eat chocolate cake with breakfast:)  These cute little cakes are convenient to pack in the lunch bag for a quick, filling and indulgent 50 calorie snack:)  Who knew rich chocolate cake could actually be a good source of whole grains?  What a great way to snack!  ABCD Diaries gives VitaCakes an A+!
 
Fudgy Chocolate Mini VitaCakes are now available exclusively for purchase online at http://www.vitalicious.com/

GoMaxGo Candy Bars Review and Giveaway...

We recently had the chance to try out a variety of candy bars from GoMaxGo Foods.

"We set out to create extraordinarily delicious candy bars. We craved candy bars that were chocolatey, nougaty, caramely, peanutty, almondy, coconutty crazy indulgences! We wanted a variety of bars that popped with all the luscious flavor of the traditional treats. What we didn't want in our candy bars was dairy, eggs, hydrogenated oils, trans fats, artificial ingredients, or cholesterol. We had a hunch your sweet tooth might be feeling the same way, and so we went to work on the concept. Happily, our efforts paid off and now even your inner angel (you know, the one who reminds you it's gotta be vegan, or you're dairy intolerant, or you need to kick those hydrogenated oils to the curb, etc.) can enjoy real candy bars again.
Go Max Go Foods. Your taste buds will never know the difference."

What we thought:  These candy bars were FANTASTIC!  I especially loved the yummy Jokerz bar which combined chocolate, caramel, peanuts and nougat and the Mahalo which featured coconut, chocolate and nuts.  I really could not tell that these bars were dairy-free, vegan and free of artificial ingredients and ridiculous amounts of sugar and fat.  GoMaxGo bars are one of my new favorite ways to snack:)  An indulgent treat that isn't crazy bad for you?  What more could you ask for?!  I agree with GoMaxGo Foods..."Your taste buds will never know the difference", but your waistline will:)  ABCD Diaries gives GoMaxGo candy bars an A+!

Find out more about these yummy treats at GoMaxGo Foods!

Kidz Bop 21 CD Review...

We recently had the chance to review Kidz Bop 21, the latest CD in the series that features talented young singers singing some of the most popular Top 40 hits of today.

What we thought:  The kiddos have always been huge fans of the Kidz Bop series and they absolutely LOVED this CD!  The young singers featured on this CD are super talented and I love how Kidz Bop alters the original words of some of the songs to make them a little more kid-friendly.  I like knowing my kids can enjoy the latest music without having to worry about them hearing the more adult lyrics some of the songs contain.  Kidz Bop 21 is the most requested CD in our house and car at the moment...the songs are fun to sing along to and really get the kids up and moving:)  ABCD Diaries gives Kidz Bop 21 an A+!

You can find Kidz Bop 21 wherever you purchase music.


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a copy of this CD for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Bright Settings Tablecloth Review and Giveaway...

Bright Settings sells a tablecloths to fit every every size table in a variety of fabrics and colors.  We reviewed a rectangular Cottunique tablecloth in Camel.

Cottunique-
"Available in a variety of vibrant colors, this luxurious solid fabric feels as soft as cotton while retaining all the durability and color-fast qualities of polyester. The fabric actually softens and improves with age - making it the ideal solution for adding a spot of color and beauty to your restaurant, event, dining room, kitchen or patio."

What we thought:  This tablecloth was really nice.  It fit our table well and looked great.  It was easy to care for and held up really well to machine washing and drying.  Bright Settings has so many different color and fabric combinations to choose from.  It would be super easy to find your perfect tablecloth, whether its for a single table at home or several tables at a wedding or other event.  I was especially impressed with the amount of color choices...there is something to match every theme!  No matter what size or shape your table is, Bright Settings makes it easy to find the perfect covering for your needs:)  ABCD Diaries gives Bright Settings an A+!

Find out more about these fabulous table coverings at Bright Settings!

Shangri La Hot Tea Review and Giveaway...

"Welcome to the award winning Shangri La Tea company. Our award winning teas have made us a leader in specialty teas, organic iced teas and organic hot teas. Shangri La offers quality and value, while setting trends in our unique and delicious teas for the food service and retail beverage industries. We have a wide variety of exceptional quality teas and unique tea gifts."

What we thought:  We reviewed several boxes of Shangri La teas.  They were fantastic!  The kiddos really enjoyed having tea parties with the decaf versions of Black Currant and Lemon Meyer.  My favorite was the English Breakfast, followed closely by the Sweet Orange Spice.  These teas were smooth and full flavored.  I love a good cup of hot tea and using Shangri La tea bags made having a good cup super easy:)  With the large selection of flavors, there is something for everyone.  They also offer neat samplers that would make great gifts for the tea lover in your life.  ABCD Diaries gives Shangri La an A+!

One winner will receive a Shangri La Prize Pack including one box of each of the following teas:
Organic Decaf Lemon Meyer
Organic Sweet Orange Spice
Organic Jasmine Green
Organic Black Currant
Organic English Breakfast
Organic Chai
Find out more about these great teas at Shangri La! Use the discount code BANDABLOG to receive 15% off. **The coupon code will be active starting 2/1/2012 and ending on 03/31/2012.

*Shangri La is currently offering a sale on Hot Tea for the entire month of January, the price reflected on the website right now is the sale price. Regular price for the Hot Tea Bag Line is $6.95/box.

Nutridel Cookies Review and Giveaway...

"NUTRIDEL is an artisan, gourmet cookie, made by hand in small batches with all-natural, earth-loving high quality ingredients. Our cookies contain no animal or dairy products. They are baked to perfection, and the result is a crispy, crunchy snack you can enjoy any time with guilt-free pleasure!"

What we thought:  These cookies were very crisp and crunchy.  They were pretty tasty...they reminded us of the nutty, oaty taste of granola, just pressed flat into a paper thin and super crispy cookie.  I love that these cookies are an all-natural alternative to other snacks and the whole family really enjoyed them:)  ABCD Diaries gives Nutridel cookies an A!

Find out more about these cookies at Nutridel!

American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar Review...

American Dervish: A Novel by Ayad Akhtar

Synopsis:

"Hayat Shah is a young American in love for the first time. His normal life of school, baseball, and video games had previously been distinguished only by his Pakistani heritage and by the frequent chill between his parents, who fight over things he is too young to understand. Then Mina arrives, and everything changes.

Mina is Hayat's mother's oldest friend from Pakistan. She is independent, beautiful and intelligent, and arrives on the Shah's doorstep when her disastrous marriage in Pakistan disintegrates. Even Hayat's skeptical father can't deny the liveliness and happiness that accompanies Mina into their home. Her deep spirituality brings the family's Muslim faith to life in a way that resonates with Hayat as nothing has before. Studying the Quran by Mina's side and basking in the glow of her attention, he feels an entirely new purpose mingled with a growing infatuation for his teacher.

When Mina meets and begins dating a man, Hayat is confused by his feelings of betrayal. His growing passions, both spiritual and romantic, force him to question all that he has come to believe is true. Just as Mina finds happiness, Hayat is compelled to act -- with devastating consequences for all those he loves most."

What we thought:  This book was really beautifully written.  Akhtar is able to tell the story with insights from all points of view and the tale is truly engaging.  He shows the struggle between culture and religion and just trying to fit in while trying to find one's true identity in our modern day society.  This book is refreshingly honest and heartwarming at the same time.  ABCD Diaries gives American Dervish an A+!

 

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a copy of this book for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Bare Necessities Review...

 We recently had the opportunity to review some tights and leggings from Bare Necessities.

Donna Karan Hosiery: The Body Perfect Collection Smoothing Leggings

-Moderate control, smoothing leggings

-Shapes and slims from waist to ankles Comfortable stretch nylon

-Targeted tummy control panel

-Lifts and tones rear

HUE: Cable Sweater Tights 

-Stylish sweater tights

-Cable knit pattern

-Keeps legs feeling warm

What we thought:  Bare Necessities has quite a large variety of tights and leggings in colors and styles to fit everyone's tastes.  They have fun, affordable options to keep your legs cozy and stylish all winter long:)  The Donna Karan leggings were very slimming and looked great under an over sized sweater.  The HUE tights were super trendy...I loved the cable-knit pattern and they paired very well with a sweater dress and boots.  They come in a variety of colors to match any outfit and were soft and comfy.  Both the leggings and the tights did a fabulous job of keeping my legs warm:)  ABCD Diaries gives Bare Necessities legwear an A+! 

Find out more about these leggings and tights at Bare Necessities!

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given samples for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone

Kuhn Rikon KinderKitchen Utensils Review...

We recently had the chance to try out some of the KinderKitchen children's utensils from Kuhn Rikon.

"Kids have little hands and big imaginations. They love to explore and try new things - especially in the kitchen. Now with Kinderkitchen®, they finally have fun tools made just for them.

Each one of our Kinderkitchen® tools are designed specifically for kids with function, safety and fun the priorities."

What we thought:  We were given the Bird's Eye Spoon, the Mouse Measuring Cups and the Serrated Dog Knife to try out.  The kiddos quickly put all of these tools to good use helping me prepare dinner:)  They really had a lot of fun using these kid-friendly kitchen tools.  The Bird's Eye Spoon was actually easier for their little hands to stir thicker consistencies with since the over sized hole minimized resistance.   The Dog Knife was safe for them to use, but also easily cut through firm fruits and veggies.  The Mouse Measuring Cups made measuring a lot more fun and were very durable.  All of these tools were super cute and colorful and with minimum supervision, most of them would be great for even the youngest budding chefs:)  ABCD Diaries gives Kuhn Rikon KinderKitchen tools an A+!

Follow Kuhn Rikon via Facebook for the latest news on these fantastic utensils!
Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given samples for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Stubb's BBQ Sauce Review & Giveaway...

B and I grew up in Austin TX and lived there up until we moved to the Texas coast about a year ago, so we were very familiar with Stubb's BBQ.  This was a local restaurant that served up delicious food and always had great live music and entertainment.  We were super excited to get the chance to try out Stubb's bottled BBQ sauces!

We reviewed 2 flavorful varieties of Stubb's famous BBQ sauce.

Spicy: "From the heat of the pit to the heart of the table, Stubb made sure his Spicy Bar-B-Q sauce packed enough peppers to keep your chicken, pork or beef sizzling, long after it leaves the flame. This original recipe is seasoned with habañero peppers and wood smoke to complement the flavor of the meat. You’ll likely notice some compliments coming your way too."

Hickory Bourbon: "When Stubb’s friends talked him into selling his famous sauces, he used "recycled" whiskey bottles from a honkytonk in Austin. This sauce combines the natural barbeque flavor of hickory smoke with the rich, mellow taste of Kentucky bourbon. It may not be in a whiskey bottle, but it’s still the same way Stubb would’ve done it."

What we thought:  Delicious, as expected:)  We used our spicy sauce on grilled chicken and it was super tasty!  It was a tad warm for the kiddos tastes, but the adults loved it.  The hickory bourbon sauce was fantastic on ribs...the perfect sticky-saucy coating for finger-licking goodness:)  Stubb's sauces are a super easy way to put some truly memorable finishing touches on your entrees.  ABCD Diaries gives Stubb's sauces an A+!

Find out more about this delicious BBQ sauce at Stubb's!


One ABCD Diaries reader will be lucky enough to win a Stubb's gift kit with a Stubb's t-shirt, hat, spice rub, sauce and grill brush, all wrapped up in a Stubb's tote bag:)

Erin Baker's Breakfast Cookies Review and Giveaway...

"The Original Breakfast Cookie is something you can feel good about eating. Baked fresh with heart-healthy whole grains and sweetened with fruit puree, our cookies combine the flavors we all love with a heartiness that satisfies for hours. Packed with protein, antioxidants, fiber and complex carbohydrates, it is a healthy and delicious way to start your day. Every Breakfast Cookie is handcrafted in our own bakery using the finest ingredients available. You can taste the exceptional quality in each bite."

What we thought:  Erin Baker's was generous enough to send us a variety of full size breakfast cookies, mini cookies and granola for our review.  Each product we sampled was delicious!  The full size cookies not only tasted great, but they were super filling and full of healthy ingredients!  I especially loved the chocolate raisin flavor.  The mini cookies were great for snacks and for the lunch box.   The peanut butter and oatmeal raising flavors were great!  The granola was the perfect size for on-the-go snacking.  I love it when I can find a food that is good for my family, convenient and delicious:)  Erin Baker's has all of these bases covered!  ABCD Diaries gives Erin Baker's cookies an A+!
Find out more about these yummy breakfast cookies at Erin Baker's!

The Cravory Review...

"The Cravory is home to over 950 customized cookie creations from sweet to savory. If you can imagine it, we can create it - whether it's Savory Rosemary Balsamic, Pancakes and Bacon, Red Velvet, or Chocolate Chip. The Cravory Cookies are the ultimate cookie experience with a perfectly baked surface and a soft cookie center that melts in your mouth."

What we thought:  The cookies we sampled from The Cravory were fantastic!  B doesn't usually like cookies and he LOVED these!  They were fresh and soft and chewy...really the perfect cookie consistency in my opinion:)  My favorites were the Ultimate Chocolate Chip, the Chocolate Truffle and the Oreo Milkshake.  B favored the savory flavors like Balsamic Rosemary and also really liked the Red Velvet.  The kiddos loved them all, but their favorite was the pretty Birthday Cake cookies covered in colorful sprinkles:)  These were seriously some of the best cookies we've ever tried...we are fans for life!  There are so many varieties of cookies to choose from, both savory and sweet.  I'm thinking this would be a great idea for the dessert at our next birthday party.  They would also make great party favors!  They are gorgeous AND delicious...what a treat!  ABCD Diaries gives The Cravory an A+! 

Keep up with the latest flavor combos and deals by following The Cravory via Facebook! 

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given samples for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Prima Princessa Sleeping Beauty DVD Review...

"The producers of the “Prima Princessa” DVD series, Stephanie Troeller and Mary Kate Mellow, are both mothers of dance loving daughters, who were the original source of inspiration for the series. Each DVD in the series has the cartoon fairy ballerina Prima Princessa escort a group of pre-schoolers on a magical journey to see a live performance of a classic storybook ballet, delightfully narrated so children may fully understand the plot. Between acts, they return home and in fun colorful montages of toys, animals, and kids, they learn ballet steps from students at the School of American Ballet, the official academy of the New York City Ballet."

What we thought:  5 year old A LOVES to dance.  One of her favorite things to do is put on her tutu and ballet slippers and pretend to be Prima Ballerina:)  I knew this DVD would be a hit with her!  What surprised me is how much she actually learned from the DVD.  It not only shows even the youngest ballerinas basic ballet steps, but exposes them to fully costumed live action ballet as well which A really loved!  It was a great way for her to learn how dance can tell a story.  The ballet steps are taught by students and little girls just like A which makes learning the steps a lot of fun.  Even little brother got in on the action practicing his ballet moves...they tell me they are ready to learn a lift:)  This DVD is a great way to get little ones up and moving and interested in dance.  ABCD Diaries gives Prima Princessa "Sleeping Beauty" an A+!  


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a DVD for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Yonanas Frozen Treat Maker Review...

We recently had the chance to review a cool new appliance, the Yonanas frozen treat maker.

"Yonanas can be a healthier option than ice-cream for a number of reasons. Here are just a few:
•Yonanas is made using only fruit. (There is no added sugar, cream or other dairy added to this delicious treat).
•Simply banana yonanas contains zero grams of fat. An equal serving of soft serve ice-cream can have your buttons popping with 23 grams of fat in a 1 cup serving.
•A cup of simply banana yonanas will have 200 healthy calories as opposed to some brands of ice cream which can easily exceed 400 calories in a serving. More than 400 calories in some ice creams? Yikes!
•Yonanas doesn’t contain any cholesterol. Ice cream can contain upwards of 80mg cholesterol in a serving. Watch out arteries!
•Yonanas doesn’t contain any sodium. Comparatively, some soft serve ice creams have more than just a dash of sodium and some have more than 100 mg in a single serving!
•Yonanas contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals in each tasty serving.

Eating healthy never tasted so good!"

What we thought:  I was excited to try out the Yonanas frozen treat maker because we are trying to eat a little healthier these days.  We love ice cream and this sounded like a great way to make our usual snack a little better for us.  The Yonanas maker couldn't be easier!  We peeled and froze our bananas once they were super ripe.  As a special treat before school, we made Yonanas with bananas and strawberries and we all loved it!  Yep, with Yonanas you can let your kids eat "ice cream" for breakfast!  We also tried bananas and dark chocolate...what an indulgent treat!  The machine is easy to put together, simple to use and clean up is a snap...almost everything is dishwasher safe!  The machine came with a recipe booklet with tons of great ideas...you can use so many variations of fruits, nuts and other "mix-ins" and really feel good knowing you are giving your family a healthy treat that they will really enjoy:)  We are  loving our Yonanas maker!  ABCD Diaries gives Yonanas an A+!

Find out more about where you can purchase Yonanas here!


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given product for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Popchips Review...

"never fried. never baked.
delicious, all-natural, healthier. that’s popchips. when they said it couldn’t be done, we raised the snack bar. how do we do it? well, first, let's talk about how we don't do it. we never fry our chips. that just puts a lot of stuff in there that we could all do without. we never bake our chips either. that just takes a lot of flavor out, which, as snackers, we simply can't do without. so we came up with a chip like no snack aisle has seen (or taste bud has tasted). thanks to the magic of popping, we found a way to pop all the flavor in while keeping fake stuff and more than half the fat of fried chips out."

What we thought:  We love Popchips!  These yummy baked chips are the perfect guilt-free snack!  They come in some really mouthwatering flavors like sour cream and onion, sea salt and vinegar and cheddar.  They are light and crunchy and great for the lunch box or afternoon snack.  They definitely satisfied my craving for a salty, crispy snack:)  Everyone in our family enjoyed these yummy snacks!  They would make a great party snack as well...don't forget about the upcoming Super Bowl:)  ABCD Diaries gives Popchips an A+!

Find out more about these delicious snacks at Popchips.


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given samples for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.